Well I finally traded my 2012 G650GS in on a 2013 F800GS yesterday. Got the one with ASC and ESA. Really notice a difference with the suspension settings that can be changed on the fly. Love this feature! The traction control works very well too, works even better when it is switched off Love all the little goodies like the onboard computer that even tells you if you have a bulb out (not that I am too incompetent to check my bulbs) but it's crazy that my motorcycle has a lot of the same features as my Mercedes!

What about exhaust? I really like the Remus Hexacore and obvoiusly the Akrapovic is popular. And as far as tuning goes... Are the 800s able to compensate for aftermarket exhaust without any modifications? Seems like they run a little bit rich (mine does anyway) so if the exhaust leaned it out a bit it should be ok.

My 2010 doesn't seem to be rich. I've had it from 500' to 12000' and haven't noticed a mixture problem.

The gearing is tall for trail riding. I've been getting used to it, but along with the sensitive throttle make it behave like a R1200GS. The fix should be easy with a 15 tooth sprocket. The one I bought from TT had splines that weren't machined out enough and wouldn't slide on. Maybe try a Renthal 15T.

I have the TT desierto screen and like the adjust-ability. I have the TT big fuel tank too. I don't know if this bike really needs it. I have a solid 400 mile range though.

My 2010 doesn't seem to be rich. I've had it from 500' to 12000' and haven't noticed a mixture problem.

The gearing is tall for trail riding. I've been getting used to it, but along with the sensitive throttle make it behave like a R1200GS. The fix should be easy with a 15 tooth sprocket. The one I bought from TT had splines that weren't machined out enough and wouldn't slide on. Maybe try a Renthal 15T.

I have the TT desierto screen and like the adjust-ability. I have the TT big fuel tank too. I don't know if this bike really needs it. I have a solid 400 mile range though.

I figure eventually I will get a set of Excel wheels and have a different sprocket on the wheel so I can change between the wheels depending on what type of riding I am doing.

I really like the look of the desierto fairing and I will get that as soon as it comes out for the 2013 model (if it's any different).

The larger gas tank would be nice but can you use crash bars with it installed?

Also I read a lot of complaints about the suspension and how there is nothing you can really do about it. It seems pretty good to me, a little on the soft side. What is the best option for suspension upgrades?

I only went with the AltRider crash bars. I'm not a fan of any particular manufacturer unless that manufacturer has the best product, or at least best bang for the buck. I'll wait 6 months for a Shrockworks bumper for my 4Runner, and won't complain over $90 if it does a better job.

The Touratech crash bars look like they're hung by simple tabs compared to the AltRiders which actually insert into the frame and are mounted with the same screws. I also liked the design of the connector between the two halves (aluminum insert) of the AltRider versus exposed tabs of the Touratech. The AltRider protects the fairing in the advent of a lay down versus another $110 for the same protection from Touratech (extensions)

AltRider, on a bike.

And check out how the AltRider mount to the frame, they actually insert into the frame itself, at all mount points, to help create a very secure mount. I couldn't quite tell if the Touratech mounts were as solid.

Here's the Touratech ones. Look close at the mount tabs where they mount to the frame. The yellow arrow is showing the upper extension which is another $109.

For me, the AltRider ones appeared superior. Second on my list would have been to do a bit more looking into the SW Motech ones.

That MOD side stand plate is not bad! The Touratech ones were in stock at Sierra BMW when I had my bike first serviced, so went with them. The Touratech was cheaper than others (Ilium, AltRider, etc.) and was in stock. If MOD was a stocked item at Sierra BMW and cost about the same, I would have checked out the design a bit closer (as I've lost side stand plates before...)

$100 for the BMW headlight protector. It's a lot like the headlight guard that Touratech had for my Sertao. Easy to remove and works well. Plus there's no question about fit. The main detractor is the "offroad use only" sticker on it. When I was looking, nothing came close in price (for a piece of plastic and a couple of bracket mounts). I played with an AltRider one at San Jose BMW and had a hard enough time putting it back together so said no.

I figure eventually I will get a set of Excel wheels and have a different sprocket on the wheel so I can change between the wheels depending on what type of riding I am doing.

I really like the look of the desierto fairing and I will get that as soon as it comes out for the 2013 model (if it's any different).

The larger gas tank would be nice but can you use crash bars with it installed?

Also I read a lot of complaints about the suspension and how there is nothing you can really do about it. It seems pretty good to me, a little on the soft side. What is the best option for suspension upgrades?

The tank is very durable and can act as a crash bar except for any pretty paint. My X Challenge can been over many times and has the big TT tank. It gets scratched but can take a licking. The motor seems pretty well protected without bars. Bike is heavy enough without them.